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Queer Qrosswords is a dynamic pack of 22 LGBTQ+-themed crosswords, which you can get just by donating $10 or more to an LGBTQ+ charity like the ones listed below!

As of 11/17/18:: Total donations: $22,485, Total donors: 574, Average donation per donor: $39.17

Why Queer Qrosswords?

In the current political climate, resources to support LGBTQ+ people – especially trans people and queer people of color – are as vulnerable as the communities themselves. Each day, rights are being walked back and protections disbanded. Hate crimes and hateful speech are ever present, and progress on LGBTQ+ rights isn’t as robust as it has been over the past few decades.

One of the many ways that we escape these daily traumas – large and small – is by curling up with a good crossword or two. And yet even in 2018, we still routinely see frustrating clues like [Husband’s spouse] for WIFE and [What a girl grows up to be] for WOMAN, while seldom seeing anything other than [Pride letters] for LGBT as an acknowledgment that we even exist. Every “you” in a crossword clue seems to assume a cis, white, straight, male audience. We need more queer representation in crosswords to make sure that everyone feels included.

But what to do about either of these issues? We were inspired by Francis Heaney’s wonderful project, Puzzles for Progress. (Seriously, it’s fantastic – check it out!) Compiled as a response to last year’s presidential election, Francis and friends put together a packet of puzzles to benefit an array of worthy charities that would need support heading into the Tr*mp era.

Why couldn’t we do something similar to support fantastic and essential LGBTQ+ organizations while also increasing the representation of LGBTQ+ people and experiences in crosswords? Why not have queer constructors write queer crosswords as a way to raise money for queer charities and organizations? Enter Queer Qrosswords.

Who contributed to Queer Qrosswords?

Visit our Constructors Page for short bios of all the puzzle constructors who contributed to this project.

Who would enjoy Queer Qrosswords?

Any and all crossword lovers, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community

Any LGBTQ+ folks or allies who might be crossword-curious

Those who value supporting indie communities and worthy charities

Your loveably nerdy teenager who just came out to you and needs to see themselves represented in one of their favorite hobbies (or soon-to-be hobbies)

Awesome! How do I get my very own copy of Queer Qrosswords?

Simple! Make a new donation of $10 or more to an LGBTQ+ charity. (See our suggested list of charities here.) If your resources allow, consider setting up a recurring monthly donation as a way to show your continued support. While you may already be donating to an LGBTQ+ charity (thank you for that!), we’re asking that donations made for Queer Qrosswords be new. If you already contribute to a national organization, consider supporting a local organization or a charity that supports a different segment of the queer community.

Once you get the receipt for your donation, forward it to me (Nate Cardin, organizer and editor of Queer Qrosswords) at queerqrosswords@gmail.com and I’ll reply as soon as I can with a PDF version of Queer Qrosswords. (Feel free to redact any sensitive information before submitting your donation receipt, but make sure to have the date and your email address or name visible.) I’m a non-bot, real person with a job, so it may take me a beat to get back to you, but I promise that I will! (Note: As of now, we are only offering Queer Qrosswords as a PDF packet, not in PUZ format.)

Want to gift Queer Qrosswords to someone? No problem! Simply donate to an LGBTQ+ charity of your choice and, when emailing me the donation receipt, let me know that you’d like to give Queer Qrosswords as a gift. Please include the intended recipient’s name and email address.